Research Competencies of Registered Pediatric Nurses: Evidence from a Greek Pediatric Hospital

TL;DR

This study evaluates research skills of pediatric nurses in Greece and finds moderate knowledge and skills, with education and scientific activities linked to better performance.

Contribution

The study validates the RCAIN instrument in Greece and identifies factors influencing research competencies in pediatric nursing.

Findings

Pediatric nurses showed moderate research knowledge, skills, and application in clinical practice.

Higher education and scientific activity participation were linked to better research competency scores.

The RCAIN instrument demonstrated high internal consistency in this population.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the research competencies of pediatric nurses and to assess the psychometric properties of the Research Competencies Assessment Instrument for Nurses (RCAIN) in Greece. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023 via a convenience population-based sample of 106 registered pediatric nurses. Eligible participants owned a diploma, bachelor’s, or graduate degree in nursing and had completed at least two years of professional service. Research competencies were estimated through the RCAIN, a standardized instrument previously validated in the Greek language. Results: The findings revealed moderate levels of research-related knowledge (mean score: 26.92/40), skills (mean score: 22.17/30), and application of research in clinical practice (mean score: 14.89/25). Higher educational attainment and participation in scientific activities were positively associated with research competency scores. The RCAIN showed high internal consistency across subscales (Cronbach’s α: knowledge = 0.914, skills = 0.905, application = 0.935), supporting its reliability in this population. Conclusions: Pediatric nurses showed moderate research competencies, underscoring the need for direct educational and institutional strategies to foster research capacity and evidence-based practice in pediatric nursing settings.

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